It’s what caught my eye in the spring of 2001.
I had just landed a job at Swanson’s Nursery in north Seattle when I spotted these tiny little Christmas trees tucked in among the other conifers. I thought, “Hey! It’s a miniature tree!”
And that was it. I was already developing a greeting card line of miniature scenes at the time, and suddenly — right there in the nursery — was a real miniature tree. The one that started it all.
Meet the Jean’s Dilly Dwarf Spruce.
This little tree has been with me for the entire 25-year journey of miniature gardening — from my very first garden show display, to starring in both of my books, to being dressed up and decorated for every occasion imaginable. He’s been a trooper.
An-Almost 25-Year Photo Romp
The miniature gardens shown on this page are all the same garden, taken over the years. You can tell I love to dress it up for Christmas – I think the red pot had a lot to do with it though. I’ll have to see if I have more photos of this garden. I think I took it apart about 2 years ago (meaning winter of 24/25.) Both the Jean’s Dilly Spruce and the Mother Lode Juniper were potted-on to bigger pots and are still thriving.
These miniature and dwarf conifers can last for years in a container. The biggest worry is the soil depleting of nutrients which can be fixed with a gentle repot every 4 to 5 years or so. They are really quite forgiving. – Janit from TwoGreenThumbs.com
AND… I have even more photos of the Jean’s Dilly Spruce in other miniature gardens. So you want to see them? Leave a comment below when you get there and let me know what you think.
A Little History (Because He Deserves It)
Jean’s Dilly is named after Jean Iseli, founder of Iseli Nursery, who passed away in 1986. Jean Iseli was, in my opinion, instrumental in developing the entire movement of dwarf and miniature conifers that makes miniature gardening possible today. And Iseli Nursery still holds the Gold Standard for consistent, quality dwarfs and minis — because there is a difference between a true miniature tree and a rooted branch.
Honestly? We would not have this hobby without Jean Iseli.
Maintenance is a Dilly!
Tough. Hardy. Full sun tolerant. Great in containers and in the ground. Reliable, evergreen, and resilient against pests and diseases when properly cared for. And the maintenance? Easy.
It’s a slow grower — 1″ to 3″ per year depending on your climate — which is exactly what makes it such a perfect candidate for miniature gardening.
dil·ly (informal): A remarkable, unusual, or excellent person or thing. Something truly outstanding.
Sounds about right.
Sung to Toni Basil’s Hey Mickey ::
? “Oh Dilly you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind — hey Dilly! Hey Dilly!”
Celebrate National Miniature Garden Month With Us!
Jean’s Dilly is on sale this month (May, 2026) — but only Mini Garden Gazette subscribers gets a FREE GIFT with your order! The Gazette is free too. So, join us and you’ll get the sale code plus weekly miniature gardening goodness right in your inbox almost every Friday.
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And if you’re ready to really dig in? Miniature Garden Society members get even more — tutorials, video demos, and all the nerdy plant and miniature details you didn’t know you needed.
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